What Are Terpenes?

May 1, 2017

Terpenes are organic compounds detectable in just about everything. Many smells and tastes found in nature can be attributed to terpenes. In cannabis, terpenes are secreted by the same glands that produce cannabinoids. It is thought that terpenes originally developed in cannabis to repel predators and attract pollinators. Each cannabis strain has a unique smell and taste because of the different combinations of terpenes found within them. Terpenes can also add their own effects to a strain. For example, some terpenes make you feel calmer while others will cause you to feel more alert. Below are some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis.

Limonene

Limonene lends cannabis a bright citrus smell and taste. It is often found in Sativa strains. Limonene can also be found in fruit rinds (think lemon peel), juniper, peppermint, and rosemary. It has been shown to help elevate mood and relieve stress. Limonene also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. If you want to check out a strain of ours with a hefty amount of limonene in it check out our Super Lemon Haze.

Pinene
Pinene is most commonly found in conifer trees and pine needles, but it can also be found in rosemary, dill, parsley, and basil. In cannabis, Pinene lends strains an earthy, pine forest smell. Pinene is thought to raise alertness and improve memory retention. It also has been found to have antiseptic properties and can act as a bronchodilator (helps to improve airflow to lungs). A strain of ours that tends to have higher amounts of Pinene is our Chemdawg #4.

Linalool

Linalool has a floral, candy like smell and is most often associated with indica strains. Large amounts of Linalool is found in lavender and coriander. It is thought to help relieve stress/anxiety and have sedative effects. Linalool has also been found to have anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic, and analgesic effects. Our L.A. Confidential is a great example of a strain containing higher amounts of linalool.

Myrcene

Myrcene has a musky, earthy, herbal smell. It is commonly found in hops, mangos, thyme, and lemongrass. Some have suggested that this terpene lends cannabis a sedative, “couch-lock” effect common to indica strains. Myrcene has been found to have antioxidant, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and analgesic effects. High levels of Myrcene can be found in our strain Sour Alien.